Anand braces up for the big shot

By Rakesh Rao

NEW DELHI, DEC. 16. Will Viswanathan Anand ever become the World Champion?

How many times has this question been asked by the sceptics from across the world. The unsuccessful bid to unseat Garry Kasparov in the final of the Professional Chess Association in 1995 and another futile charge at the World title against Anatoly Karpov in 1998 had given rise to such doubts.

But on Friday, Anand placed himself within a triumph of winning the World title and sign off a great year in style. World Blitz, World Cup and now the World title in sight.

Ask Anand about ``pressure'' and he declines it straightaway. ``There is no pressure. I am not carrying any baggage (of 1995 and 1998) with me,'' said Anand soon after clearing his way to the final to be played at Teheran against Alexei Shirov.

``Now the final is the big one. Both of us know it is the big shot and a six-game match is always tough,'' feels Anand.

But one thing is certain. From Teheran, should Anand give this big nation a cause to celebrate, marketing of this sport will become far more easy.

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Section  : Sport
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